Embalming-tube.



'J. C. FLAGG.

BMBALMING TUBE. APPLICATION FILED JAN. 23, 1907.

Patented Nov. 7, 1911.

COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH c0., WASHINGTON, n c

JOHN CLARK FLAGG, OF RICHMOND, MAINE.

EMBALMING-TUBE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. '7, 1911.

Application filed January 23, 1907. Serial No. 353,629.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN CLARK FLAGG, a citizen of the United States,residing at Richmond, in the county of Sagadahoc and State of h/Iaine,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Embalming- Tubes,of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to embalming apparatus and has for its object theproduction of a tube or catheter used for the purpose of draining thearteries and veins of the human body prior to the operation ofembalming.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of the device. Fig. 2 is alongitudinal vertical sectional view of the same. Fig. 3 is a similarView with the plunger extended or withdrawn from the main part of thetube.

1 represents the tube which I make in three sizes, open at both ends.While I have shown the inlet end 2, of the same diameter as the body ofthe tube it will, of course, be understood that I may, if I preferrestrict this inlet or draw the tube to a point which of course will beperforated. v

3 is an offset at one end of the tube having a screw threaded opening inwhich a set screw 4 is secured, said screw being of sufli cient lengthto extend -a short distance within the tube for a purpose to behereinafter specified.

5 is a branch or elbow formed integral and communicating with the tube1, and provided with a tapered end 6, and shoulder 7 over which a rubbertube may be slipped and firmly secured as will be readily understood.

8 is a plunger of a diameter insuring a snug sliding fit within the tube1, whereby the flow of blood past it is prevented. This plunger ispreferably pointed at one end and in its closed position extends beyondthe end 2 of the tube to facilitate the insertion of the tube within theartery or vein.

9 is a rearward extension of the plunger of less diameter than theplunger thus forming a shoulder 10 adapted to engage the screw 4 toprevent the accidental withdrawal of the plunger from the tube while itis in use. The extension 9 is provided with a split end in. which anoperating rod 11 is pivoted whereby said arm may fall down out of theway when the tube is in use, as shown in Fig. 3.

After raising and opening the vein or artery the tube is inserted, withthe plunger in the tube the full length of the rod, as shown in Fig. 1,ligature is then passed around the artery or vein and around set screw 4at end of the tube holding the tube in vein; a rubber drawing tube issecured to the elbow 5 leading to a suitable receptacle. The plunger isthen by means of the rod, withdrawn from the main body of the tube untilthe shoulder 10 strikes the set screw 4 which prevents further rearwardmovement and accidental withdrawal of the plunger from the tube. When inthis position the plunger is between the elbow tubeand the set screwthus leaving the interior of the tube from its end 2 to the elbow freeand unobstructed whereupon the blood from the artery or vein is free toflow through the tube and its elbow to a suitable receptacle but isprevented from flowing through the tube beyond the elbow by reason ofthe fact that the plunger is still in the tube and completely closes theouter end thereof, thus stopping the flow of blood from the outer end ofthe tube, but allowing the blood to pass freely from the elbow.

Should the tube become clogged with coagulated blood before a suflicientamount has been removed, the tube may be cleaned by inserting theplunger the full length and then drawing it back its full length untilit is arrested by the set screw 4.

If for any reason it is desirable or necessary to stop the flow of bloodthe plunger is inserted its full length as shown in Fig. 1.

While I have particularly described my invention as adapted forembalming it will, of course, be understood that it may be used as acatheter for any kind of drawing purposes for the human body.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

In a catheter for draining and embalming purposes, the combination witha tube open at both ends and provided with an outlet intermediate itsends, of a plunger in said tube adapted to alternately close therespective ends of said tube and a hinged rod to manipulate said plungerwhereby the flow of fluid through said tube is regulated.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN CLARK FLAGG.

Witnesses:

JAMES 0. Bonus, WILLIAM R. FAIRCLOUGH.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G.

